CSEIF condemns political violence, warns of escalating instability
Kondowe: We cannot allow a situation where police lose legitimacy due to political bias.
The Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum (CSEIF) strongly condemns the recent politically motivated attacks on opposition Members of Parliament and the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) leadership.
On February 26, 2025, within the National Assembly premises, vehicles belonging to opposition Members of Parliament (MP) for Zomba Malosa Grace Kwelepeta and Zomba Changalume MP Lonnie Chijere Chirwa were vandalized.
Despite the presence of security personnel and CCTV footage capturing the suspects, no arrests have been made.
The following day, the AFORD President’s convoy was attacked near Mchesi while returning from a funeral in Area 22.
The attackers’ vehicle was identified, yet law enforcement remains passive.
This selective inaction contrasts sharply with the swift police response in the Mselema Machinga incident, raising serious concerns about police impartiality and professionalism.
In a statement, CSEIF Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe warned that unchecked political violence threatens national stability ahead of the 2025 elections.
He further cautioned that if law enforcement continues to neglect its duty, political actors may resort to self-defense, escalating disorder. “We cannot allow a situation where police lose legitimacy due to political bias,” he stressed.
CSEIF has since called on the Malawi Police Service to arrest and prosecute those responsible.
It has also urged Parliament to review its security protocols and establish an independent parliamentary security body.
Additionally, political parties must publicly denounce these attacks and ensure their supporters uphold democratic principles.
Meanwhile, security specialist Master Mfune has questioned the police’s failure to strengthen security at Parliament and echoed Kondowe’s concerns.
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